He said on Twitter today: “Twenty-eight years at Newsquest/Westminster Press comes to an end today. How lucky I’ve been to work with and meet so many brilliant and fun people.”

In announcing the news to staff, Newsquest managing editor Chris Moore said: “I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Gary for his contribution to the company and I hope you will join me in wishing Gary every success in the future.”

Mail managing editor Sara Taylor is understood to be taking over responsibility for Oxford in the interim, Hold the Front Page has reported. Advertiser deputy editor Michelle Tompkins will step up in Swindon.

Lawrence started his journalism career as a reporter on the Bucks Advertiser in 1986.

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The tacit implication is he was sacked, and hence did not – or, at least, not actively, willingly or self-initiatedly- ‘step down’. If so, this should be clearly stated in the report, with explanatory quotes obtained from him and Newsquest.